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Cleveland Cavaliers fire head coach JB Bickerstaff

talia naquin
·3 min read

CLEVELAND (WJW) – The Cleveland Cavaliers have returned to the head coaching search.

The team announced Thursday morning that it was dismissing J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach.

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Bickerstaff joined the team ahead of the 2019-2020 season.

  • BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 09: Head coach J. B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the first quarter against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/boston/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Boston Celtics;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Boston Celtics</a> in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at TD Garden on May 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
  • PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 03: Head coach J. B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/phoenix/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Phoenix Suns;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Phoenix Suns</a> at Footprint Center on April 03, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Cavaliers 122-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
  • CLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 29: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first quarter against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/philadelphia/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Philadelphia 76ers;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Philadelphia 76ers</a> at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 29, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
  • MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MARCH 22: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/minnesota/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Minnesota Timberwolves;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> in the second quarter at Target Center on March 22, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Cavaliers 104-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
  • Cleveland, OH – May 13: Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J. B. Bickerstaff on the sideline in the second quarter. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
    Cleveland, OH – May 13: Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J. B. Bickerstaff on the sideline in the second quarter. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

He led the team to the playoffs in 2023 and 2024.

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“J.B. is a well-respected NBA coach and an incredible human-being,” said Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman. “Over the past four years, he helped establish a culture that progressively drove players to become the best versions of themselves. Decisions like these are never easy, particularly when you look back at where this franchise rebuild started under his leadership. The NBA is a unique business that sometimes requires aggressive risk-taking to move a franchise forward and ultimately compete for championships. We owe a ton of gratitude for everything J.B. has contributed to the Cavaliers and his engagement in the Cleveland community. We wish J.B., his wife Nikki and their three children the best in their future endeavors.”

Bickerstaff posted a 170-159 regular season record (6-11 postseason).

According to FOX 8 Sports reporter John Sabol, Bickerstaff signed a new contract in 2021 through 2026-27.

Altman is set to talk with the media on Friday.

According to Sabol, here are some potential head coaching candidates:

  • New Orleans assistant James Borrego

  • Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson

  • Minnesota assistant Micah Nori

  • Denver assistant David Adelman

  • Milwaukee assistant and former Cleveland adviser Dave Joerger

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